(Above: Illustration for Side Man, by Emily Faulconer)
Edited by Randi Bjornstad
Auditions for Very Little Theatre’s second production of the 2024-25 season — Side Man — will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at VLT on July 20 and 21, 2024.
The cast
The cast of Side Man includes one male-presenting character who ages from 20 to 30 years old as the script progresses, four male-presenting characters who age from 30 to 60 years, and two female-presenting characters who age from 25 to 55 years. In all cases, the actors may be of any race or ethnicity, representing “crusty New Yorkers,” except for one woman is is an immigrant with an Italian accent.
The plot
The timeline for Side Man flashes back and forth between 1953 and 1985, seen through the eyes of Clifford, whose parents include Gene, a poised-to-be-famous trumpeter, and a young immigrant woman, Terry, who gets caught up in Gene’s lifestyle that features music, drugs, and alcohol. The setting alternates between their apartment and the music club where Gene performs. The plot centers around Clifford’s efforts to understand — and forgive — the actions and failures that happen within his family.
The audition
Hopeful actors should prepare a memorized, one-minute dramatic monologue taken from any play, poem, or book, to present at the walk-in audition.
Play schedule
Rehearsals for Side Man begin Sept. 23, and the play runs three weekends, starting Nov. 8.
Information: Email director Carol Dennis at carol@thevlt.com
